Okemo's Timberline

For new to mid-range skiers, Okemo Mountain is one of the most tension-free sites in all New England. And since we all sometimes need ego snow, there is much on Okemo to work on.

For starters, this area corduroy-grooms to a fault, so the surface -- especially this year -- is like running on silk. Again, many runs on Okemo are confidence-boosters and lots of fun. But when you're ready to show off head for Timberline, a wide-open run that allows lots of work on carved GS turns, lapsing into super-G speeds.

There are several gentle rolls that give new skiers a feeling of pitch, often with a thrilling sense of falling out below before the bottom fills in again and you can gather yourself.

An added feature to the Timberline run is the Green Valley Triple carries skiers to the summit overhead. So, if you've really practiced those smooth carves and stylish pole-plants, this will be the first run to display your skills to an audience.

TONY CHAMBERLAIN